By Yemi Babalola, Lagos
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are no doubt a step into the 2018 world cup, which would be held in Russia. Following the 4-nill trashing of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at home in the Godswill Akpabio International stadium Uyo, and being held to a one all draw at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo on Monday 4 September 2017.
Having gotten the possible six points from their first two qualifying matches, away against Zambia and at home against Algeria. A win away in Yaoundé, Cameroon would have secured a straight entry into the world cup next year. However, the Cameroonians were not going to make that goal easy for Nigeria, which means the Eagles would need to win one of their remaining two matches to secure their qualification for the mundial.
Clearly, the unavailability of Captain John Obi Mikel, Jude OdionIghalo, and Victor Moses in the AFCON qualifiers against South Africa last month mattered a lot in the loss suffered by Nigeria at home. Though many have said it is just one match and the team can recover for other matches against the likes of Libya,Seychelles in subsequent matches.
One thing from all these is that the technical team should ensure that in those key positions that demand quality, they get good back up players who can conveniently take over from the key starting eleven. Kudos to the team and the officials but we all know it is not yet time to say Uhuru yet.
We wish all the players all the best and injury free playing as they return to their various club sides across the world. We hope by the time the Super Eagles can seal up their spot at the World cup when they take on Zambia at home in October. #SoarEaglesSoar #UpEagles
